Huge Boost As Vancouver Canucks AHL Farm Team Bolster Depth Top Prospect Of 6-foot, 192-pound

Ben Berard, a 25-year-old product from Duncan, is now part of the Abbotsford Canucks. He recently signed a one-year AHL contract with the Vancouver Canucks’ affiliate team, as announced on July 31.

“I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to play in B.C., close to family and friends,” he expressed after the announcement. “I’m thrilled to join the Canucks organization.”

Berard began his journey by playing 36 games for Shawnigan Lake School’s U18 prep team in 2015-16 and made six appearances as an affiliate player with the Cowichan Valley Capitals during that period.

From 2016 to 2019, he played for the BCHL’s Powell River Kings, serving as captain in his final season before advancing to NCAA Division 1 hockey at Cornell University. There, he tallied 68 points (32 goals, 36 assists) with 18 penalty minutes across 87 games.

After going undrafted, Berard had his first full professional season with the Texas Stars, the AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars, in 2023-24. The 6-foot, 192-pound left winger recorded one goal and one assist for four points, accumulating six penalty minutes in 30 regular-season games, and participated in seven playoff games.

Prior to his professional career, he spent four years with the Cornell University Big Red, finishing with 68 points from 32 goals and 36 assists in 87 NCAA games, along with 18 penalty minutes.